In the rapidly evolving and volatile geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, the conflict between Iran and Israel has once again brought the region to the edge of a broader confrontation. The latest flashpoint – a significant escalation following an attack on Iranian nuclear facilities allegedly carried out by the United States and/or Israel on the night of 21st/22nd June – has triggered a wave of speculation, misinformation, and diplomatic noise. Among the many baseless allegations and unfounded rumours being circulated, one particularly troubling narrative is the false claim that Pakistan may have allowed the use of its territory or airspace in the attack against Iran. This fabrication not only seeks to malign Pakistan’s diplomatic integrity but also threatens to embroil the country in a conflict it has firmly chosen to stay out of.
At this critical juncture, it is imperative to address the facts surrounding Pakistan’s role, its policy stance, and the guiding principles that have shaped its response to the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict.
As Pakistan continues to navigate its complex neighbourhood, it remains clear-eyed about its responsibilities to its people, to its neighbours, and the cause of global peace.
The first and most important clarification is that Pakistan has NOT allowed or facilitated any use of its airspace, land routes, or maritime space for operations by any foreign military power – whether it be the United States, Israel, or any other entity – against Iran. This categorical denial has been confirmed by official sources in Pakistan’s military and foreign affairs departments. It is consistent with Pakistan’s long-standing policy of non-alignment in inter-state conflicts and is a matter of sovereign national interest. Any suggestion to the contrary is pure disinformation, possibly designed to damage regional relations or stir internal dissent. Following the June 21-22 attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs swiftly issued a strong statement condemning the aggression. The statement highlighted the dangers of unilateral military action and the risks such steps pose to regional and global peace.
Pakistan emphasised that disputes, no matter how complex, must be resolved through diplomatic dialogue, adherence to international law, and respect for the sovereignty of all nations. In taking this stand, Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to peace, non-intervention, and conflict resolution through peaceful means.
This condemnation is not a new development but reflects a consistent diplomatic ethos that Pakistan has maintained over the years, especially in response to the reckless use of force in the Middle East.
Pakistan has shown clear, unflinching, and principled support for Iran in the face of repeated Israeli provocations. At multiple international forums – including the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), and various regional dialogue platforms – Pakistan has boldly condemned Israel’s military actions targeting Iranian interests.
Moreover, Islamabad has expressed full diplomatic, moral, and political support for Iran’s right to self-defence in the face of aggression. This support is not about taking sides in a sectarian or ideological conflict – it is about standing up for international norms, sovereignty, and the rejection of illegal military interventions.
Pakistan’s position on the Israeli aggression also aligns with its decades-old stance on the Palestinian cause. Just as Pakistan rejects Israeli expansionism in Gaza and the West Bank, it rejects similar acts of aggression against other sovereign states in the region. In today’s deeply divided international order, the temptation to align with global powers or regional blocs is ever-present. Yet, Pakistan has consciously chosen a policy of neutrality and non-involvement in military alliances or bloc-based politics.
This approach is informed by hard-earned lessons from the past. Pakistan’s involvement in the Cold War, the Afghan-Soviet conflict, and the post-9/11 “War on Terror” brought both short-term strategic gains and long-term domestic instability, including militancy, economic strain, and sectarianism. Hence, the country’s leadership – both civilian and military – have reached a strategic consensus: Pakistan will not become a proxy battleground for others’ wars.
This decision is not about weakness or passivity. Rather, it is a mature, sovereign decision aimed at preserving internal peace, economic recovery, and diplomatic credibility. As such, Pakistan has stayed away from taking part in the Iran-Israel tensions militarily and diplomatically, while remaining committed to peace-building efforts.
Pakistan’s foreign policy has always been based on respect for territorial integrity and the sovereign equality of states. This principle applies not only to Pakistan itself but also to its neighbours and regional partners.
From day one of the current crisis, Pakistan has declared that Iran has every right to defend itself, just as any sovereign nation does under international law. However, this right must be exercised within the bounds of diplomacy and responsible conduct, avoiding actions that might provoke wider instability. Simultaneously, Pakistan remains alert to protect its sovereignty, national security, and territorial integrity. Any attempt to draw Pakistan into a foreign war, whether by coercion, misinformation, or diplomatic pressure, will be firmly resisted.
Pakistan is not a passive observer in the face of growing regional chaos. Rather, it is actively engaging with all relevant stakeholders – including Iran, Gulf countries, China, Turkey, the European Union, and even the United States – to advocate for an immediate cessation of hostilities. These diplomatic efforts aim to promote a sustainable and honourable peace, one that is mutually acceptable to all sides, and not imposed through force or coercion. Pakistan believes that continued escalation between Israel and Iran will only lead to greater instability, threatening energy security, trade routes, and the lives of millions across the Middle East. A broader conflict would also produce grave consequences for South Asia, potentially disturbing the balance of power, increasing sectarian tensions, and inviting new refugee and economic crises.
By championing diplomacy, Pakistan seeks to play the role of a peace broker, not a participant in war.
In an era where war rhetoric often overshadows calls for peace, Pakistan has emerged as a rare, mature voice advocating de-escalation and dialogue. The country’s approach to the Iran-Israel conflict is guided not by fear or pressure but by principle, pragmatism, and the pursuit of long-term regional stability. As Pakistan continues to navigate its complex neighbourhood, it remains clear-eyed about its responsibilities to its people, to its neighbours, and the cause of global peace. It will neither become a pawn in others’ conflicts nor abandon its foundational values of sovereignty, peace, and justice.
Let there be no doubt: Pakistan is not anyone’s battleground – it is a sovereign, responsible state with a clear voice, a balanced approach, and a steadfast commitment to peace.
The writer is an old Aitchisonian who believes in freedom of expression, a freelance columnist, entrepreneur and social activist.